On 9 November the Department of Social Development in Worcester held a Parenting Wellness Day in Zwelethemba for 67 caregivers from areas such as Zwelethemba, Roodewal, Avian Park and Riverview. The parenting day was the culmination of a three-day parenting programme held in Zwelethemba presented by Child Welfare South Africa Worcester and Eden LSEN School.
The parenting programme and wellness day was based on the Sinovuyo Kids programme, created to reduce the risk for child maltreatment and improve child behaviour. It helps parents establish positive relationships with children.
The main objective of the programme is to promote nurturing happy, healthy and supportive families.
Many children are cared for by someone who is not their biological parent.
The Parenting Wellness Engagement included all kinds of caregivers who have made sacrifices over the years to guide, support, nurture, protect and love our most vulnerable children.
Many caregivers become so absorbed by their special role and responsibilities that they very often forget to practise self-care.
The Parenting Wellness Programme’s theme was “Hope”, restoring faith in oneself and to refocus on the purpose and goals we set for ourselves. Neurodiversity Foundation, Mosaic, Khulisa Social Solutions, the mental health nurse at the Department of Health were involved in the successful programme.
The keynote speaker from Impumelelo Yesizwe Women Organisation, Bridget Siyolo, delivered her testimony about her own challenges in raising four children as a single parent, and motivated and encouraged the community to believe in their abilities as caregivers emphasising on “it takes a village to raise a child, I am who I am because of the community that raised me in Oudtshoorn though I had blood relatives.”
The Department of Social Development would like to convey their sincere gratitude to each stakeholder and caregiver who participated in this event.
